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Chris Kuper stretches before taking part in a 2009 practice. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Most thought it would be Elvis Dumervil to be the first restricted free agent in Denver to get a new deal, but guard Chris Kuper beat him to the punch.

The Denver Broncos have just announced that Kuper and the team agreed to terms on a six-year contract that will keep the starting guard in orange and blue for a very long time.

Some speculated that Kuper did not fit in to Josh McDaniels new vision for the revamped Broncos offensive line as he came under the Mike Shanahan regime. Shanahan’s philosophy was built around the employment of smaller, quicker offensive lineman.

Kuper is listed by the Broncos at 6’4″ 303 lbs. though. So that’s plenty big for Denver.

â€œThe fact that the Broncos are putting this much trust in me is an incredible feeling,â€ Kuper said. â€œIt is a dream come true. Iâ€™d like to thank Mr. Bowlen, Coach McDaniels and Brian Xanders for getting this deal done. This is where I wanted to be because I feel like this team is headed in the right direction, and my family is excited that we can stay here and be a part of it. I really hope that at some point I can say that I finished my career as a Bronco and won a couple of Super Bowls here, too.â€

The guard is entering his fifth season in the NFL, but has only remained healthy for one thus far (2008).

â€œWe are extremely excited about the extension of Chris Kuperâ€™s contract and the fact that he will be a Bronco for a long time,â€ McDaniels said. â€œHe exemplifies the qualities that we look for in our players both on and off the field. We look forward to his continued leadership and toughness in our efforts to build a championship caliber team.â€

Terms of the deal were not disclosed as is club policy, but we will update when we figure them out.

UPDATE (6/5/10 3:50 PM EST): Mike Klis of the Denver Post got a hold of the contract numbers for Kuper. Kuper will play in 2010 for his original restricted free agent contract ($2.521-million) and will be extended five-years from that for a total of $25.5-million over the course of those seasons. A grand total of $28.021 with $13.021-million guaranteed.

Klis goes on to point out that this makes Kuper the second highest paid offensive lineman in Broncos history (former left tackle Matt Lepsis remains the highest paid in Denver history).

Can anyone say Flozell Adams? Well, maybe Ryan Clady‘s just coming along better than had been expected.

kerry

wow. something done right for a change. are we sure this guy isnt a locker room cancer or something? oh wait i know what it is, he is actually NOT skipping OTA's and threatening a holdout, like Dumervil. a good move by Xanders to get this guy signed. just dont make the Pro Bowl Chris. thats a death sentence.

BroncoJoe

Damn somthing positive happens and you still gotta be negative!!! Go be a Raider fan!!!

I for one would like to see Elvis locked up! He was the sack leader in the NFL right? Also one of the best defensive players on the Broncos last year. McDaniels needs to address this and give Elvis some respect. We need him!

kerry

yeah he was the sack leader. but his overall ability doesnt warrant him getting big time money. he cant cover the TE, he is lousy in run support and isnt a sideline to sideline guy. McD isnt gonna pay him like a DeMarcus Ware or James Harrison. all of whom can do what Dumervil cant. i actually like the fact McD isnt just rushing out and paying Dumervil.